14 (1/2) Weeks!

Yesterday we went to our 14 week doctor's appointment at Brookwood. We actually saw our new doctor for the first time. We decided to switch hospitals, and ultimately, doctors, after we found out we were having twins. We wanted to make sure we would be at a hospital with a great NICU, as well as be at a practice that sees and delivers lots of multiples. And- we have found that place! We are very happy about the decision we made, although it was a hard one to make.

After an extensive consultation with both the nurse and the doctor, we were able to hear the heartbeats! Dr. Ross also did another ultrasound to check on our babies. It was so neat to see them and all their little parts, moving around on the screen. I hadn't seen them since 9 weeks, so a lot has changed in their development. We could see their arms, legs, heads and even one of the faces. They were lying head to head- maybe they were talking! We didn't get any pictures from this one, so I don't have any new photos to post. However, we did find out that our "big" ultrasound will be in three weeks and we will get to find out the sex of the babies!! I am so excited, I cannot wait!

So for now, not much is new- just eating (all the time) and trying to rest as much as possible outside of work. I'm feeling pretty good, I can definitely tell my energy level is going up and the nausea is almost gone! Overall, I feel pretty blessed to feel as good as I have with two babies on board. We're still staying busy with trying to tackle household projects before the babies come. The nursery is primed and ready for paint once we find out what we're having. My next task is to start narrowing down options for bedding and furniture. I'll have to post a pregnancy photo soon... things are starting to change in that area for sure! My doctor says I am showing the same amount as someone who is 18 weeks along (with one baby). So, at least I have a good excuse- there's two in there!

A Double Blessing!

This year has brought many blessings and trials into our lives, but the one thing that has remained true for our family is the reminder that "God is good, his love endures forever." That verse has special meaning to us as we have learned this year to be thankful for all we've been given, the good and the bad. That no matter what we serve a loving God who has a plan for our lives.

In June, Andrew and I learned that we had been given a HUGE blessing! We found out that we are expecting and will be starting a family. We couldn't be more thrilled at the news as we have been praying for a little one to add to our family. It was a special moment when we went in to have our first doctor's appointment and ultrasound a couple of weeks later. When the ultrasound technician turned the screen around to face us, I couldn't believe what I saw... there were two tiny dots on the screen! That's right- we're having TWINS!!!! We were so shocked, myself more than Andrew, at the news. Nonetheless we are thrilled, a little overwhelmed at the enormity of it, but thrilled!

We had been keeping our little secret for quite some time as we wanted to get through the first trimester before sharing our news with everyone. Our parents were sworn to secrecy when they found out about seven weeks in. So... I am now 13 weeks along and doing great so far. We have had three ultrasounds and were able to hear two sets of strong heartbeats at our last appointment. We got a little spoiled having so many ultrasounds early on- at 5, 7 and 9 weeks. It was fun to see how much they changed in a short amount of time. Our next one probably will be at 18 weeks, we should be able to find out the sexes then.

I've included the babies first photos for you to see... Although it's difficult to make out much, I'll try to caption each one to orient you.

Ultrasound #1- Babies at 5 weeks gestational age: you can see two little marble looking structures.


Ultrasound #2- Babies at 7 weeks: you can see two little blobs but it's difficult to make any structures out at this point


Ultrasound #3- Babies at 9 weeks: you can see them both from this angle


Baby "A" at 9 weeks: you can see the profile of the head on the left side of the pic, arm and leg bud (view from the side, baby laying on its back)


Baby "B" at 9 weeks: you can see the profile of the head on the left, arm and leg buds (baby laying on its back- side view)


So- there's our little miracles- baby A and baby B, or "This" and "That" as some of our friends have started calling them. I'll be sure to keep you all posted now that our secret's out! Thank you to our friends and family who have been praying for these babies long before you knew about them! God is so good and has blessed us beyond what we could ever ask for. I'll close with a verse that I went to the day we found out there were two:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... to Him be the glory for ever and ever!" Eph 3:20

I promise Andrew isn't as scared as he looks in this photo!

A Fresh Coat of Paint...

And we get to say ADIOS to "the fishroom." Some of you may have no clue what I'm talking about and some of you have heard me complain about this room for the past two years! "The fishroom" is the one room in our house that we had yet to paint. It is the former nursery to the triplets who used to live here. It is best described as a whimsical undersea mural that covers every wall in the room. We've laughed at how it is a bit out of place with the rest of the decor, but until now hadn't done anything about it. Just to be sure not to offend the artists- it isn't bad, just not my taste. Mom used to tease me and say I should keep it for our nursery one day. But, we have finally decided to start the process of defishifying the room. My sweet dad (the best painter) agreed to come and help with the project. So, I've included some photos of the room for all to see as I triumphantly say goodbye to the fishroom!

Meanwhile, we've declared August our "get back on the home improvement track" month. After a summer of being here and there, in and out of town, we're trying to get back to the deck project and a few things around the house. We are very blessed to have family that is so willing to help us out. Last weekend, Andrew and his dad were able to get the stairs on our deck replaced. This weekend, my brother is going to be helping Andrew install the railings while I act as gopher girl. Lemonade, anyone? One big project that we wrapped up this summer was the front door. After several weekends of work it is 100% complete. So... Come and knock on our door- we'll be waiting for you (but we may put you to work!!)

Welcome Baby Lilly

Our newest niece, Lillian Claire Cawood made her grand entrance into the world today! Andrew's sister Jenn and brother in law Jamie couldn't be more thrilled with the arrival of their third child. Baby Lilly was due this past Friday, but decided that today would be the best day to arrive! She was born at 11:48 am, weighing an impressive 9 lbs, 9 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing just fine. We were able to visit them this evening after work and each took turns holding the sweet bundle of joy. Even baby Graham was able to be there to greet his newest cousin. We got several cute pics of their first introduction. Liam and Emma met their little sister earlier today and were very impressed- saying that she was very cute. Wish we could've been there to see that! So sweet... so for now the tally of Morrow babies is up to four and my in-laws couldn't be happier! I've included an album of our first meeting with baby Lilly for you to see.